This week on The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Elizabeth Solaru, a former microbiologist who transformed her passion into a thriving career as a luxury cake designer. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from science to entrepreneurship, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the luxury wedding and events industry. She dives into the key strategies that helped her build a world-renowned brand, from leveraging media exposure to fostering emotional connections with clients. With a focus on resilience, networking, and meticulous attention to detail, Elizabeth provides invaluable insights for aspiring luxury brand owners looking to stand out in a competitive market.

About Our Guest: 

Elizabeth Solaru is an internationally renowned luxury cake designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium, a globally recognized brand known for creating exquisite, bespoke wedding and celebration cakes. With a background in microbiology and a successful career as a headhunter before venturing into the world of cake artistry, Elizabeth has become one of the most sought-after cake designers in the luxury events industry.

Her signature style combines intricate sugarcraft, elegant designs, and flawless craftsmanship, making her cakes a favorite among royalty, celebrities, and high-profile clients worldwide. She has won multiple awards for her work, including recognition as one of the world’s top wedding cake designers by prestigious publications.

Beyond cake artistry, Elizabeth is a respected speaker, educator, and author. She regularly shares her expertise at international industry events, training aspiring cake designers and event professionals. Her book, Opulencia: Artisan Baking & Sugarcraft, showcases her signature luxury cake designs and techniques.

Elizabeth’s work has been featured in top-tier publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Tatler, and Brides, and she has appeared on television shows such as BBC’s The Apprentice and Food Network’s Extreme Cake Makers. She continues to innovate and inspire in the world of luxury cake design, setting new standards for excellence and creativity.

Find Her Here: 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://luxurybusinessemporium.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-solaru-1ba901/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethscakeemporium/

This week onThe Venue RX Podcast, Jonathan Aymin sits down with Anja Winikka, founder of Freeda, to discuss the power of community in the wedding industry. Anja shares her journey from her time atThe Knot to creating Freeda, an exclusive network that connects established wedding professionals for collaboration, resource sharing, and support.

She highlights the importance of openness and vulnerability, especially when engaging with the next generation of industry professionals who bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Jonathan and Anja also explore how a strong community can help wedding professionals overcome challenges and grow sustainable businesses. Anja offers a behind-the-scenes look at Freeda’s application process, the impact of small group dynamics, and the value of in-person events in fostering deeper connections. She reinforces that success in the wedding industry isn’t just about talent and strategy, it’s about building meaningful relationships and learning from one another.

About Our Guest: 

Based in New York City, Anja Winikka brings nearly two decades of expertise in digital marketing, content strategy, PR, and brand partnerships within the weddings and events industry. Anja has a proven track record of growing both consumer and B2B audiences in the weddings and events space. She is widely recognized for her deep, two-sided industry knowledge and her ability to align audience segments with the right branding, PR, and content strategies. Her work has helped numerous brands 10X their organic reach and secure top-tier media placements in Harper’s Bazaar, BRIDES, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, and more.

Previously, Anja was the founder of Maroo, a Y Combinator-backed payments platform designed specifically for the weddings and events industry. Within just one year of launch, she successfully onboarded over 7,000 small wedding businesses nationwide.

In 2024, Anja foundedFreeda, a private, invite-only network designed for established wedding and event business owners. Freeda connects members with their own curated advisory group of industry peers, offering a trusted space for collaboration, strategic guidance, and business growth. More than just a network, Freeda serves as a mastermind community where experienced professionals can share insights, navigate challenges, and accelerate their success through high-level discussions and exclusive resources.

Find Her Here: 

Email:[email protected]

Website:https://www.joinfreeda.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joinfreeda

Get ready for another incredible year with The Venue RX Podcast! In 2025, we’re diving even deeper into the business of weddings and events, bringing you expert insights, game-changing strategies, and real-world success stories to help venue owners and event professionals thrive.

Expect conversations with top industry leaders on topics like scaling your venue business, mastering sales and marketing, optimizing operations, and leveraging technology to enhance the client experience. We’ll also explore financial strategies, leadership development, and the latest industry trends to keep you ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re a seasoned venue owner or just starting out, The Venue RX Podcast is your go-to resource for practical advice, inspiring stories, and the tools you need to grow your business in 2025. Stay tuned for fresh episodes every week—this year is going to be bigger and better than ever!

In this week’s episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with David Short, the owner of Irvington Event Center in Indianapolis. David shares his inspiring journey from flipping houses to running a 12,000-square-foot co-working and event space. He opens up about the financial hurdles he faced—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—and the creative strategies he used, including securing investors, to bring his vision to life. David highlights the venue’s versatile layout, which features a co-working space and a bar/event area, and emphasizes the value of a strong support network, effective marketing tactics, and the fulfillment he finds in mentoring others in the real estate industry.

About Our Guest: 

David Short is a visionary entrepreneur and real estate enthusiast based in Indianapolis. With a background in house flipping, David transitioned his expertise and passion into creating dynamic spaces that bring people together. As the owner of the Irvington Event Center, he has turned a 12,000-square-foot property into a thriving hub for co-working, events, and community engagement.

Beyond running the event center, David is deeply committed to mentoring others in the real estate industry. He finds fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and helping others succeed in their entrepreneurial pursuits. With a strong focus on building a supportive network and implementing effective marketing strategies, David has established himself as a leader in the event and real estate industries, inspiring others with his story of perseverance and innovation.

Find Him Here: 

Tel: (463) 209-6980 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.irvingtoneventcenter.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irvingtoneventcenter

Instagram: http://instagram.com/irvingtonevents

In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan sits down with Kate Kotecki, owner of Kotecki's Grandview Grove, a renowned wedding venue in New York. Kate shares her family's deep roots in the wedding industry, starting with her father’s catering business, and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of running a wedding venue. She opens up about the unique challenges of living on-site, maintaining work-life balance, and navigating client expectations. The discussion also covers key topics like effective staffing strategies, the role of community support, and evolving industry trends. For aspiring venue owners, Kate offers practical advice, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, respect, and building meaningful client relationships.

About Our Guest: 

Kate Kotecki, a second-generation entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Kotecki's Grandview Grove, a beloved family-owned wedding venue. As a devoted mother of three and a passionate venue owner, Kate seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and resilience into every wedding experience. Her journey, marked by overcoming challenges and a commitment to growth, reflects her dedication to both personal and professional excellence.

At Kotecki's Grandview Grove, the focus is on more than just planning weddings—it’s about creating lifelong memories. Under Kate's leadership, the venue combines traditional charm with modern elegance, tailoring every detail to reflect each couple’s unique style and vision.

The venue itself serves as a canvas for love stories to unfold. From the picturesque gardens perfect for exchanging vows to the grand halls designed for joyous celebrations, every space at Kotecki’s is thoughtfully curated to deliver unforgettable moments for couples and their guests.

Find Her Here: 

Tel: (716) 674-2287

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.koteckis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koteckis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Koteckis/

Address: 4685 Seneca Street, West Seneca, New York 14224

In this episode of The Venue Rx podcast, host Jonathan Aymin interviews Kasie Romagno, the owner of The Armory Arts, a modern industrial venue in the heart of the Poconos. Kasie shares her journey from teaching to managing a wedding venue, drawing on her family's entrepreneurial roots in the concert and real estate industries. She reflects on the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of maintaining low overhead costs, and the unique dynamics of running a family business. Kasie also discusses the value of clear client communication, the balance between aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency, and her vision for future growth in the wedding industry.

About Our Guest: 

Kasie's venue is more than just a space—it’s a piece of history, lovingly restored and transformed into an ideal setting for special occasions. Originally built in 1929, the building once served as the East Stroudsburg Armory, housing the National Guard and playing a significant role in the nation’s history. Today, it stands as one of only two nationally recognized historic buildings in East Stroudsburg, where the past is preserved and new memories are created.

What was once a shooting range on the lower level has been beautifully repurposed into a serene fern wall ceremony space—a lush, green oasis that provides a stunning backdrop for exchanging vows. The officer’s lounge, once a space for military leaders to strategize, has been reimagined as a luxurious bridal suite, offering a private and elegant area for preparations.

Kasie's connection to this venue is deeply personal, as it was initially created for her own wedding. Every detail was thoughtfully designed, blending the building’s rich history with a passion for hosting unforgettable events. As a family-owned business, the venue is dedicated to ensuring each wedding is truly special, offering a personalized experience that reflects the unique needs and vision of every couple.

Find Them Here: 

Website: https://thearmoryevents.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sightseedesign/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thearmoryevents/

In this episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Beau Davis, a driving force behind the development and management of venues in Lake Elsinore, California. Beau recounts his inspiring journey from the service industry to revitalizing venue spaces in the community, with a spotlight on Launch Pointe—a unique resort-style wedding venue and campground. The conversation dives into the remarkable growth of Lake Elsinore, the innovative strategies employed at Launch Pointe, and the vital role of community engagement. Beau also shares his insights on the power of delegation and collaboration, highlighting the importance in scaling operations and expanding to multiple locations.

About Our Guest: 

Beau Davis serves as the Community Services Assistant Director for the City of Lake Elsinore and the General Manager of Launch Pointe, where he leads diverse programs and teams dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for residents and visitors alike. Beau oversees initiatives such as park development, recreational programming, and community engagement efforts, all aimed at fostering vibrant spaces and meaningful connections within the community. His deep commitment to community growth and relationship-building reflects his passion and extensive experience in the field.

Launch Pointe is Southern California’s premier destination for unforgettable events, whether you’re planning a dream wedding, family reunion, or corporate retreat. Nestled along the Lake Elsinore waterfront, Launch Pointe offers a variety of overnight accommodations and recreational activities that guarantee your guests a fun, unique, and memorable experience.

Find Them Here: 

Tel: 951-674-3124, ext. 405

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://csevenues.com/launch-pointe/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/launchpointeweddings/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/launchpointeweddings/

In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin explores the concept of a venue's "DNA"—the distinctive traits and selling points that make a venue unique. Designed for aspiring venue owners and those in the early stages of their business, Jonathan presents a ten-step framework to identify and capitalize on these defining features. He highlights key aspects such as location, architectural design, amenities, historical significance, operational values, and brand identity. By understanding and leveraging these elements, venue owners can differentiate themselves in a competitive market and attract more clients effectively.

In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Joshua Pniewski of Forever Farms Winery for a candid discussion about the realities of owning and managing a wedding venue. Joshua pulls back the curtain on the significant effort and intricate logistics involved, revealing that venue ownership is much more than simply hosting events.

He dives into the challenges such as navigating zoning regulations, managing demanding clients, and addressing the impact of negative reviews. Joshua also tackles financial misconceptions about venue costs and highlights the importance of implementing effective marketing strategies. Additionally, he shares his experience integrating winery operations with the wedding venue, offering a unique perspective on balancing both aspects of the business.

About Our Guest: 

Joshua Pniewski is the owner of Forever Farms, a family-owned winery and private event venue located on 32 picturesque acres in Medina County, Ohio. Forever Farms specializes in creating customized wedding experiences in a rustic yet elegant barn setting, complete with amenities like a bridal suite and groom's lounge. The property also features over 600 blueberry bushes, adding unique charm to the venue's scenic surroundings.

In addition to hosting weddings and private events, Forever Farms produces a selection of wines, including distinctive blueberry and strawberry fruit wines, reflecting the farm's commitment to quality and local produce. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and even participate in winemaking classes, making it a destination for both celebrations and wine enthusiasts. With its serene backdrop of rolling hills and lush landscapes, Forever Farms offers an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.

Find Them Here: 

Phone: (330) 667-0266

Website: https://foreverfarmsohio.com/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foreverfarmsoh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverfarms/ 

Address: 8109 Branch Rd, Medina, OH, United States, Ohio

In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin is joined by Lindsay Barrows, a dynamic entrepreneur in the wedding industry. Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from an unexpected start in entrepreneurship to successfully managing three wedding venues and an event planning company. She reflects on overcoming challenges during the 2008 recession and emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and effective delegation. Lindsay dives into her operational philosophy of "automate, eliminate, and delegate," offering actionable insights for streamlining business processes. She also underscores the value of continuous learning, leveraging podcasts, and staying ahead with innovative marketing strategies. She provides a comprehensive look at what it takes to run a thriving wedding business.

About Our Guest: 

Lindsay Barrows, CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) of Custom Love Gifts & Events, has been a prominent figure in the wedding industry since 2010. In addition to founding Custom Love, she has established five other businesses within the wedding field, including All in the Details Event Planning, Something Borrowed by CLG Event Rentals, Mountain Mist Farm Wedding Venue, Wildflower Event Center, and The Loyston at Coppertop Estates. Lindsay is a professional speaker, having presented six times at the Wedding MBA Conference and the Event Industry Expo. She holds an MBA and a secondary Master’s degree in Human Resources from West Virginia University. She is also a Board Member of the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association. Lindsay is passionate about creating unforgettable wedding experiences, with her favorite moments being the First Look and seeing the wedding dress a client chooses. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her two daughters, cats, cheese, and her husband.

Find Her Here: 

Tel: 865.269.6705

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.customlovegifts.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomLOVEgifts/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customlovegifts/?hl=en

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@customlovegifts?_t=8kWATatwWPm&_r=1